Former Mayor of Brava, Francisco Tavares, is trying to censor Bravanews, decreeing a “ban” on citing his name and making his comments on social media newsworthy.

Initially, Bravanews chose not to respond to the provocations, in a restrained stance towards what could be considered isolated outbursts or opinions. However, the recent "ban" imposed by the former president represents a worrying escalation that Bravanews cannot ignore. In defense of freedom of the press and the right to information, the digital newspaper decided to make an exception and dedicate editorial space to address this situation.

The claim that Bravanews is prevented from mentioning Francisco Tavares' name and from using his public comments to produce news demonstrates a profound lack of understanding of the fundamental pillars of a democratic state governed by the rule of law.

The former mayor seems to forget three crucial premises that govern journalistic activity and freedom of expression in Cape Verde and in democratic states:

First: Cape Verde is a democratic republic where the gag law and prior censorship were abolished more than three decades ago. The Constitution of the Republic guarantees freedom of the press as a fundamental right, essential for the scrutiny of power and for the vitality of democracy. Attempting to silence a media outlet is an attack on these basic principles.

Second: Francisco Tavares, as a public figure who actively uses social media, voluntarily exposes himself to public debate. His positions, comments, actions and attitudes naturally become the subject of scrutiny by citizens and the press. The attempt to restrict the dissemination and analysis of these statements is not only unrealistic but also undemocratic. Transparency and accountability are intrinsic elements of holding public office and participating in political life.

Third: Cape Verde has been consolidating its position in international press freedom rankings. The country recently rose in the African index, which reflects a relatively favourable environment for journalism. Ignoring this progress and attempting to impose restrictions on press activity demonstrates a lack of alignment with the country's reality and its international commitments on freedom of expression. According to the latest data, Cape Verde reached 33rd place in the 2025 World Press Freedom Ranking, a significant advance that demonstrates a good performance in the evaluation criteria, with particular emphasis on the security indicator.

Bravanews reaffirms its commitment to truth, objectivity and rigor in covering the facts that are of interest to the people of Brava. It will not be intimidated by attempts at censorship, from whoever they may come. We firmly believe in the crucial role of the free and independent press for the health of democracy and the development of society.

This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of defending press freedom in all circumstances. The attempt to silence critical voices and restrict the work of journalists is a setback that cannot be tolerated in a society that values democratic values. Bravanews will continue to carry out its work responsibly and keep its readers informed, regardless of pressure and attempts at intimidation.

The escalation of attacks and nostalgia for past leaders in Brava

The situation between the former Mayor of Brava, Francisco Tavares, and Bravanews has intensified, with the former mayor making serious insults and accusations against the head of the media outlet. Terms such as "scoundrel", "thief", "idiot" and "without morals and ethics" have been used repeatedly, in a clear attempt at defamation and intimidation.

However, Bravanews points to an apparent inconsistency in the former president's behavior. It recalls the episode of the pornographic video that involved him, raising questions about his own conduct and respect for his family and his public position. Additionally, Bravanews mentions ongoing investigations into alleged crimes of influence peddling, active corruption and embezzlement of funds, suggesting that the accusations made by Francisco Tavares could, in fact, be a reflection of his own legal problems. Bravanews ironically states that the former president seems to be "looking at himself in the mirror."

Bravanews recalls the period when Francisco Tavares led the City Council, classifying him as a "great comedian". However, showing respect for the dignity of the position he held, the digital newspaper chooses not to delve into this assessment.

In contrast to Francisco Tavares' stance, Bravanews recalls the memory of former mayors, praising their qualities and the way they exercised leadership. Orlando Balla is remembered as a "respectful, gentlemanly and polite" man. José Maria Barros is remembered as a "soft-spoken person, a friend to his friends" and a "respectable political adversary", who remained cordial even when he disagreed. Camilo Gonçalves is described as "insightful, strategic, intelligent and very polite". Finally, Jorge Nogueira is remembered for his "friendliness", his "recognized positivity" and his ability to find solutions to problems.

Bravanews regrets the contrast between the conduct of these past leaders and that of Francisco Tavares, who, according to the newspaper, “parachuted” into the leadership of Brava, demonstrating himself to be “arrogant, haughty” and disrespectful towards his opponents. This implicit comparison reinforces the criticism of the former president’s current stance and expresses a nostalgia for a leadership style that Bravanews considers more appropriate and respectful for the island. Bravanews continues to monitor developments in this situation, maintaining its commitment to informing the citizens of Brava with independence and accuracy.

The arrogance of superficial knowledge and the lack of intellectual humility

Bravanews continues its analysis of the conduct of the former Mayor, Francisco Tavares, focusing now on his intellectual stance, which is perceived as arrogant and disrespectful. The newspaper describes an attitude in which the former mayor, armed with a degree in Mathematics and a basic knowledge of concepts such as the value of π, the Pythagorean Theorem (a2+b2=c2) and elementary notions of trigonometry, seems to consider everyone else as ignorant.

Bravanews criticizes this stance, emphasizing that true education is manifested not only in acquired knowledge, but also in intellectual humility and respect for the knowledge of others. The ability to recite mathematical formulas or state theorems does not, in itself, confer intellectual superiority or the right to belittle others.

The newspaper ironically asks what Francisco Tavares' behavior would be like if he had an even higher level of knowledge, such as a doctorate in physics, a Nobel Prize in mathematics, training in quantum computing or specialization in aircraft mechanics. This rhetorical question serves to emphasize the perception that the former president's arrogance seems inversely proportional to the actual depth of his knowledge.

Bravanews suggests that true erudition is accompanied by an awareness of the vastness of existing knowledge and an appreciation for the different forms of intelligence and wisdom. Intellectual humility allows us to recognize that knowledge is an ongoing process and that each individual has his or her own wealth of valuable experiences and knowledge.

Contrary to the stance described by Francisco Tavares, truly educated people tend to demonstrate curiosity, openness to dialogue, and respect for different perspectives. They understand that knowledge is not a trophy to be displayed with contempt, but rather a tool for understanding and collaboration.

Bravanews concludes this reflection with an implicit criticism of the lack of intellectual modesty demonstrated by the former president, contrasting it with the values of respect and humility that, in the newspaper's view, should characterize a public figure and a truly educated individual.

Bravanews ironizes and reinforces the dependence of news on public actors

Bravanews adds a final note with a tone of biting irony, aimed directly at Francisco Tavares. The digital newspaper emphasizes that the only way the former president's comments will not become news is if he himself chooses not to make them.

With this statement, Bravanews reverses the logic of the attempted censorship, placing the responsibility for generating news on the shoulders of Francisco Tavares himself. If he does not speak out publicly, his comments will not be subject to analysis or reporting by the newspaper.

This last observation serves to reinforce the idea that public figures, when expressing themselves in public spaces such as social networks, inevitably create material that may be of journalistic interest. Bravanews, by mocking the former president's "highness", suggests that his attempt to control what is reported about him is not only undemocratic, but also unrealistic, given his own public activity.

Bravanews' final message is clear: the decision to publish or not about Francisco Tavares' comments ultimately lies with the former president himself, through his actions and public statements. The newspaper will maintain its role as an observer and reporter of events relevant to the Brava community, using as its source the public statements of prominent figures, including Francisco Tavares himself, as long as he chooses to express himself publicly.

MS